Purpose of Liposuction
Liposuction is the surgical procedure for body contouring through which excess fat is removed from specific areas of the body:
- Arms
- Anterior and posterior chest
- Abdomen
- Hips, thighs, and buttocks
- Calves and the inner portion of the knees
- Submental region (“double chin” under the lower jaw)
In some cases, liposuction is the main surgical procedure; in others, it can be combined with facelift, abdominoplasty, or breast reduction procedures.
Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity and is not a substitute for diet or exercise. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite but can reshape body contours in areas where excessive fat accumulation creates disproportion.
Preoperative Consultation
The best candidates for this procedure are:
- Healthy individuals without conditions that may affect the healing process
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a pleasant appearance who wish to improve body harmony
The plastic surgeon must be informed about the patient’s health status. Special attention is given to individuals with diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, as well as those who have previously undergone surgery in the area targeted for liposuction.
Surgical Procedure
Liposuction is an individualized procedure for each patient, taking into account their desires and the areas requiring improvement. The evaluation of skin elasticity, tone, and fat distribution determines the optimal technique for each case.
The procedure requires micro-incisions through which liposuction cannulas are inserted, connected to a surgical aspirator, vibroliposuction device, or syringes.
Syringe-assisted liposuction is used for small and isolated areas or when the extracted fat is to be reinjected into other regions (face, lips, buttocks, or body depressions).
Healing and Recovery
After liposuction, wearing special elastic garments (pants, bustier, corset) is essential to prevent blood or serous fluid accumulation, reduce postoperative edema, and remodel the skin according to the new body contour.
In cases where large amounts of fat are removed (over 5 liters), additional procedures may be required to correct excess skin.
Following the doctor’s instructions regarding compression garments, dressings, and resumption of daily activities is essential for an optimal result. Light activities can be resumed shortly after surgery to prevent complications.
Initial healing lasts between 5 and 10 days, while the complete process is finalized within a few weeks, during which the edema reduces and scars fade.
Possible Risks
Possible complications of liposuction include:
- Irregularities in body contour
- Damage to the skin or nerves
- Uneven pigmentation
- Hematomas, bruises, seromas
- Risks associated with anesthesia
Immediately postoperatively, local edema, bruising, burning sensation, numbness, pain, or discomfort may occur – all are temporary and controllable with medication.
Results
Complete reduction of edema usually occurs after a few months. Results are maintained as long as the patient keeps a stable weight and adopts a balanced lifestyle with proper nutrition and regular physical activity.